Mayer Speaks on Baumgardner Testing Positive for PEDs
Mikaela Mayer (18-1, 5 KOs) has been silent about the news that her rival and reigning undisputed women’s junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Now Mayer has decided to provide her take and feels sorry for Baumgardner.
BREAKING HER SILENCE
Many expected Mayer would have plenty to say about the controversy. But that wasn’t the case. During an interview with the British media outlet talkSPORT, Mayer explained why she chose to be quiet about the issue.
“Everyone was coming at me, expecting something. But our trash talk before had a purpose. It’s for rivalry and excitement. To me, this was a big deal, this is a very serious topic for the sport. Very serious allegations for her part.
I felt like it needed to be addressed more professionally. I knew I had a fight coming up, and I knew I would be sitting here being asked this very question, so I figured I’d wait to address it and see how things played out in the meantime. It’s obviously very disappointing, especially being another female in that weight class.”
The rivalry between Mayer and Baumgardner runs deep and is well-known throughout the boxing community. They’ve had their share of arguments in person and on social media.
Baumgardner defeated Mayer by split decision in October 2022 in a junior lightweight unification showdown. After seeking a rematch with Baumgardner, Mayer has decided to move on and has aspirations of winning a world title in the welterweight division.
RAISING QUESTIONS
The Bomb has maintained her innocence. But Mayer believes the reputation of Baumgardner could be permanently damaged.
“You always wonder, how long has she been doing that? Was this the first time, or was this the first time she got caught? A lot of questions now, and I feel sorry for her because of her career and her legacy; this is her legacy now . . . She’s gotta worry about clearing her name.”
Mayer believes that boxers partaking in illegal substances has increased over the years and that there needs to be a concerted effort to take banned substances out of the sport. She also wants more severe punishment for fighters who get caught. Up next for Mayer is a fight against Silvia Bortot on September 2 in Manchester, England.
